Tradition That Fuels the Fight to Win

At West Point, athletic traditions drive pride, teamwork and fierce spirit. You’ll feel the energy of the Army–Navy Game, from the cadet March-On and flyovers to the roar of the 12th Man supporting the Black Knights. You’ll cheer on the Army mules and the Black Knight mascot, and witness the competitive Goat-Engineer Game between classmates. And every day, you’ll live the motto “Every Cadet an Athlete” as you train, compete and build strength and confidence alongside your teammates.

Army-Navy

Every fall, you’ll experience one of the greatest rivalries in college sports: the Army-Navy game. It’s more than football, it’s tradition, pride, and service on full display. Before kickoff, you and your classmates will take the field for the March-On alongside the Navy midshipmen, followed by flyovers and the Army Golden Knights parachuting onto the 50-yard line. The energy is unmatched, and the spirit is unforgettable. For many cadets, it’s the most electric moment of the entire year.

The 12th Man

When you’re in the stands at Michie Stadium, you become part of the 12th Man, the Corps of Cadets whose energy, volume, and pride give Army Football an edge. Your cheers are so powerful they feel like an extra player on the field, pushing the team forward and fueling the spirit that defines West Point on game day.

The Army Mule and the Black Knight

You’ll get to know two of West Point’s most iconic symbols: the Army Mule and the Black Knight. The Army Mule’s story goes back to 1899, when an officer borrowed a mule from an ice truck to counter Navy’s goat at the Army-Navy game. Decorated with streamers and a blanket, it instantly became a symbol of Army pride. Today, you’ll see a team of mules living at West Point and representing the academy at major events.

You’ll also see the Black Knight across Army athletics. The name first gained momentum in the 1940s, when a sportswriter referred to the football team as “Blaik’s Black Knights.” Since then, it has become a bold, unifying identity for Army teams, and a symbol you’ll take pride in throughout your West Point journey.

Goat-Engineer Game

As a lead up to the Army-Navy game, you’ll take part in one of West Point’s longest-running battles for bragging rights: the Goat-Engineer Game. This century-old tradition pits the bottom half of the class—the Goats—against the top half—the Engineers—in a high-energy game of flag football. Both men’s and women’s teams compete, bringing out fierce rivalry, loud cheering, and plenty of pride. It’s competitive, spirited, and one of the most entertaining events of the year.

“Every Cadet an Athlete”

At West Point, you’ll step into a tradition that has shaped leaders for more than 200 years, one that challenges you to grow not just academically and militarily, but physically as well. Here, every cadet is an athlete. You’ll compete on the fields, train on the courts, or even learn to parachute as you build the strength and discipline expected of an Army officer.

This standard began in 1919, when Gen. Douglas MacArthur set the vision that physical excellence is essential to leadership. When you arrive at West Point, you carry that legacy forward, proving every day that you have the drive, resilience, and competitive spirit to lead.